The filing period for the City Council, school board and special district board opened July 18 and closed Friday.

However, in races in which an incumbent did not file, the filing period is extended five days, to Wednesday, for newcomers.

The retirement of Councilman Bob Orach means the filing period will be extended to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Last month, Orach announced that he would not to seek another term on the council after serving 30 years. His plans were reaffirmed when he did not file for re-election by Friday's deadline.

So far, only Terri Zuniga, the other incumbent, has qualified for the City Council ballot.

Several other candidates have picked up paperwork for City Council, according to Rhonda Garietz, chief deputy city clerk.

They include Mike Cordero, a former councilman and retired police lieutenant; John Childers Jr., who serves on the city’s Board of Appeals; Felix Esparza, a retired police officer; Ed Hernandez, a businessman; Michael Moats, a dermatologist; Donna Olivera Gonzalez and businessman Hector Sanchez.

Moats returned his nomination paperwork Friday, with a couple of other candidates expected to turn in their paperwork early next week Monday.

A pair of four-year terms will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot, with the seats going to the top two vote-getters.

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